Force of nature?

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
adj. tending to move toward a center; "centripetal force" [ant: centrifugal ] tending to unify [syn: unifying(a) ] of a nerve fiber or impulse originating outside and passing toward the central nervous system; "sensory neurons" [syn: receptive , sensory(a) ...

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1709, from Modern Latin, coined 1687 by Sir Isaac Newton (who wrote in Latin), from Latin centri- alternative comb. form of centrum "center" (see center (n.)) + petere "to make for, go to; seek, strive after" (see petition (n.)). Centripetal force is Newton's ...

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
a. 1 directed or moving towards a centre 2 of, relating to, or operated by centripetal force 3 (context neuroanatomy of a nerve impulse English) directed towards the central nervous system; afferent

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Centripetal \Cen*trip"e*tal\, a. [L. centrum center + petere to move toward.] Tending, or causing, to approach the center. (Bot.) Expanding first at the base of the inflorescence, and proceeding in order towards the summit. Having the radicle turned toward ...

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Centripetal usually refers to centripetal force, a force that keeps a body on a curved path. It may also refer to: Centripetal acceleration Centripetal Catmull–Rom spline (computer graphics) Centripetal harmony Centripetal obesity Centripetal Spring Armchair ...